India’s Daughters Campaign: Study Hall children break gender stereotypes, perform Nukkad Natak at Shalimar Gateway Mall

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Lucknow: Study Hall children presented a “Nukkad Natak,” themed around challenging gender roles and advocating for change at Shalimar Gateway Mall on Saturday, 28th April. This was carried out as a part of the India’s Daughters Campaign (IDC), an annual girls’ empowerment campaign by Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) that aims to raise awareness around violence against women. The Nukkad natak shed light on sharing responsibilities at home, to create an equal and just world for everyone. Over 150 people were present and the event garnered over 100 signatures on a pledge to end violence against women.

The street play, a cornerstone of the IDC, aims to dismantle gender stereotypes and urge individuals to reconsider their mindsets regarding gender-based discrimination.

“Achieving equality requires the active participation of boys and men,” said Priyanka Saxena, Program Manager IDC at SHEF. “Through this year’s campaign, we aim to mobilize and educate boys and men to become advocates for gender justice.”

Uplabdhi, a student of class 10th at Study Hall said,  “We are raising awareness through drama that we need to challenge gender stereotypes and we need to create an equal and just society for everyone to thrive in.”

Bhartendu, teacher at Study Hall said, “Through India’s Daughters Campaign we are raising awareness regarding violence against women and the urgent need to take action against it. We must educate men and boys to build gender lens and sensitivity in order to bring change.”

Recognizing the need for a holistic approach to address gender inequality, the campaign emphasizes the importance of boys and men in the fight against violence against women. While efforts to empower girls and women are crucial, it is equally imperative for boys to challenge patriarchal norms and foster an egalitarian society. Since its inception in 2012, the India’s Daughters Campaign has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching over 1.1 million community members and 232,000 students in its latest edition in 2019. This year, the campaign takes a unique approach by placing boys and men at the forefront of discussions on gender inequality.

Study Hall Prep School celebrated its graduation day

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Study Hall Prep School celebrated its graduation day on Wednesday, March, 20th, 2024 for its passing out batch of Upper Prep. The Nursery and Lower Prep children bid farewell to their seniors by performing dance and reciting poems. The Upper Prep children also thanked their teachers, parents and the staff for helping them reach this day. The ceremony started by the address of Study Hall Principal followed by Head Study Hall Prep School who thanked the parents for being a rock solid support. She also the audience aware of what skills the children are ready with and how smoothly they can sail from kindergarten to Primary. The program concluded with the certificate distribution to the graduating batch. The ceremony was presided by Ms. Shibani Sahni and Mr. Anand Chitavanshi from Study Hall Educational Foundation.

A show and Tell activity

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A show and Tell activity was organised for children to show the mask, cutout, toy or puppet of an animal and speak few lines on it. This activity gave children confidence to speak in front of small audience their own peer group and Aunties.

Such activities help develop public speaking, creativity, language skill and develop confidence to speak on stage.

Thriving Together: Study Hall’s annual concert inspires empowerment and creativity

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Lucknow: Study Hall hosted its annual concert “I THRIVE, WHEN WE THRIVE” on the 22nd of November 2023 at the Sant Gadge Auditorium, in Gomti Nagar. Through the concert, the students conveyed a message of self-empowerment and one’s connection with others and the earth.

Ms Meenakshi Bahadur, principal of Study Hall, addressed the students and parents, said “Thriving, at its core, embodies the fusion of vitality and learning—a principle which is embraced by our school. From the concert’s theme which was introduced in April to their final presentation, the students amazed us all with their creativity and innovation.”

Dr Urvashi Sahni, CEO of Study Hall Education Foundation (SHEF) said “For over 37 years we have been focusing on holistic development of our students and drama, arts and music has always been a part of our core curriculum. Even the New Education Policy (NEP) aligns perfectly with our school’s vision and plays a pivotal role in encouraging new students to take more interest in creative fields like theater, dance, and music.”
The evening commenced with performances like “Aham Brahmasmi” “Surya Vandana” “Ubuntu,” “Symphony” “Bus Chalna Hai” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” by the students.

These performances left a lasting impact on the audience and the parents were able to connect to the message that the students were trying to portray. The evening reached its end with “Mangalam,” a prayer for universal well-being, serving as a finale, with all audience members participating.

Concluding the event, the Vice Principal, Mrs. Meenakshi Shah, addressed the audience and said “The students and the teachers have worked very hard to make this concert possible. Their hard work takes all the credit and this concert is proof of how hard work and teamwork trumps all.”

SHEF’s Hunar Utsav connects last mile artisans to promoters

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Lucknow: In a bid to connect last mile artisans with business owners and promoters Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized an artisans fair – GyanSetu Hunar Utsav 2023. Taking forward the mantle of Skill India, artisans and craftswomen from six districts of Uttar Pradesh were invited to showcase their products and build connections with promoters to ensure a steady line of business orders. More than 800 handmade items were put on display.

Notable among the promoters, Chandar Prakash, Runa Banerjee, Shurti Shandilya, Madhvi Kukreja, IB Singh, members from Lion’s Club, Ruth Chokarvarty, Vaani and many others.

The event commenced with a meeting of entrepreneurs from the city. Dr Urvashi Sahni, CEO and founder of SHEF said, “We work with the marginalized communities where talent and skills exist. We have organized Hunar Utsav to bridge the connection between artisans and craftswomen from our communities to all the entrepreneurs and businesses in Lucknow. Our goal is to economically empower women, enabling them to achieve independence and take control of their lives.”

Ms Tanmai Chaturvedi, GyanSetu program manager said, “We work with 70 distinct communities and these communities are full of skilled artisans. The Hunar Utsav is to celebrate their skills and their talents and connect them to businesses so that they can earn. ”

The Hunar Utsav showcased chikankari, zardozi, knitting, handcrafted items and many other products. In October 2021, SHEF launched its skill development program in collaboration with Laxmi Smriti Vidyadaan Sansthan and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, operating under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in Lucknow at Itaunja village. The skill development center was successful and five graduates from the GyanSetu Skill Development Center opened a tailoring unit in Itaunja village.

Prerna Girls School marks 20 years of empowering education with annual Sports Day

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Lucknow: In a bid to connect last mile artisans with business owners and promoters Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF) organized an artisans fair – GyanSetu Hunar Utsav 2023. Taking forward the mantle of Skill India, artisans and craftswomen from six districts of Uttar Pradesh were invited to showcase their products and build connections with promoters to ensure a steady line of business orders. More than 800 handmade items were put on display.

Notable among the promoters, Chandar Prakash, Runa Banerjee, Shurti Shandilya, Madhvi Kukreja, IB Singh, members from Lion’s Club, Ruth Chokarvarty, Vaani and many others.

The event commenced with a meeting of entrepreneurs from the city. Dr Urvashi Sahni, CEO and founder of SHEF said, “We work with the marginalized communities where talent and skills exist. We have organized Hunar Utsav to bridge the connection between artisans and craftswomen from our communities to all the entrepreneurs and businesses in Lucknow. Our goal is to economically empower women, enabling them to achieve independence and take control of their lives.”

Ms Tanmai Chaturvedi, GyanSetu program manager said, “We work with 70 distinct communities and these communities are full of skilled artisans. The Hunar Utsav is to celebrate their skills and their talents and connect them to businesses so that they can earn. ”

The Hunar Utsav showcased chikankari, zardozi, knitting, handcrafted items and many other products. In October 2021, SHEF launched its skill development program in collaboration with Laxmi Smriti Vidyadaan Sansthan and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, operating under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in Lucknow at Itaunja village. The skill development center was successful and five graduates from the GyanSetu Skill Development Center opened a tailoring unit in Itaunja village.

Study Hall Prep School: Tiny tots celebrate Rhyme, Rhythm and Races at Annual Sports Day

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Lucknow: Study Hall Prep School organized its Annual Sports Day on December 2nd, 2023. The theme of the sports day was Rhyme, Rhythm & Races. Mrs. Rachna Sinha, headmistress of Study Hall Prep School, welcomed the guests and said, “Our tiny tots and their teachers have worked really hard to make this event a success. This event celebrates their journey of learning and growth through teamwork.”

The event began with the children releasing colourful balloons with fun captions. Students from Nursery, Lower Prep, and Upper Prep kept the audience entertained with energetic dances, engaging drills, and spirited races. The event’s highlight was the students’ final dance and Taekwondo display. The event saw active participation of parents as well.

Dr Urvashi Sahni addressed the audience and said, “Study Hall is a happy school. Our ethos goes beyond academics and children are at the center of our universe. The dedication of our teachers and students, evident in their confident presentations. We are grateful to all the parents for their support.”

Vidyasthali’s ‘Adishakti’ Concert Dazzles with Talent and Social Message

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Lucknow, November 4, 2023: Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College marked a remarkable moment with its annual concert, “Adishakti – A dance drama.” The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Indrajit Singh, the Municipal Commissioner of Lucknow City and CEO of Lucknow Smart City, and the guest of honor, Mr. Jayant Krishna, the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advancing Science and Technology, a nonprofit dedicated to catalyzing transformative changes in India’s science and technology landscape.

Shipra Verma, the principal of Vidyasthali Kanar Inter College, extended a warm welcome to the audience and expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of both the students and teachers in preparing for the concert.

Mr. Indrajit Singh addressed the gathered audience, stating, “It is truly heartwarming to witness such a magnificent performance. I am genuinely awestruck by the extraordinary display of talent. It is of paramount importance to address societal issues within educational institutions, and I am genuinely impressed by the exceptional showcase presented by these brilliant students.”

Dr. Urvashi Sahni, the CEO and President of the Study Hall Educational Foundation, applauded the students and teachers for their unwavering dedication and extended her gratitude to the parents for their continuous support for the school. She said, “In 2005, we founded Vidaysthali with the mission to bring quality education to rural areas and to educate children on pressing social issues. Since then, we have endeavored to nurture socially and politically conscious youth who will contribute to the creation of a more equitable society.”

The evening began with a captivating welcome dance, followed by the enchanting Pahadi Dance. The pinnacle of the event was the “Adishakti – A Dance Drama,” a mesmerizing performance that featured a diverse array of acts, including Pahadi Dance, Punjabi Dance, Garba, Phoolon Ki Holi, Dhunuchi Dance, and a thought-provoking play. The students further captivated the audience with their Thumri & Kathak dance performances, leaving everyone in sheer amazement.

The event was a splendid amalgamation of culture, talent, and a compelling message on women’s empowerment and environmental consciousness. It concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and the rendition of the national anthem.

Cricket fever grips British High commissioner, plays ball with Prerna girls

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Lucknow: High on World Cup fever, Prerna Girls School and the British High Commission hosted a cricket match celebrating women in cricket. The chief guest for the event was Mr Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India was in Lucknow to show support to the England Men’s Cricket team for their game against India. The day began with a ceremonial cricket match with Mr Ellis, Dr Urvashi Sahni, CEO and Mr Anand Chitravanshi, Operations head from SHEF. 

Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India said: “I’m delighted to be at the England vs India ODI Cricket World Cup match here in Lucknow and to visit Study Hall Educational Foundation. It’s a pleasure to play gully cricket with young girls of the school. The UK and India share a unique living bridge, including a 1.6 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK, and our shared passion for cricket binds the people of UK and India together.”

The match commenced with a toss, setting the stage for an electrifying showcase of talent, resolve, and teamwork by the young ladies from Prerna School. Both teams exemplified exceptional sportsmanship and unwavering commitment, embodying the essence of cricket. Prerna alum Sandhya yadav, an under 21 state player and Ragini a district level sports person led the Blue and Red teams, respectively. Unnati, under 15 district level cricketer took an stellar catch at long off to dismiss the opposition captain Sandya. 

Dr. Urvashi Sahni, Founder and CEO of SHEF said, “Our objective is to empower our girls to venture into domains that have historically been dominated by males, and cricket is undoubtedly one of them. Our girls are changing the game and breaking barriers.”

“The winning team’s captain, Sandhya Yadav, expressed, ‘Our primary objective was to relish the game while putting forth our utmost effort. Undoubtedly, the match was closely contested, with a target of 54 runs to chase, and our team showcased exceptional bowling skills.” Sandhya, an alumna of Prerna, has been actively involved in cricket since 2018. She previously represented the under 19 team from 2020 to 2021 and currently plays for the UP state team.

Ragini, the captain of the red team said, “We enjoyed the match and the team gave tough competition.” The match not only offered a thrilling game but also delivered a powerful message about gender equality and inclusivity in the realm of sports.